Cameron Meredith

Grade

Draft Analysis:

6'4" Height

260LBS. Weight

Overview

Meredith played at national high school football powerhouse Mater Dei in California, and had his choice of West Coast teams for which he could have played. But he chose Nebraska instead because of the program and the people, and he’s been a solid player for the Cornhuskers ever since. Though Meredith hasn’t been dominant on the edge, he possesses enough strength against the run and pass rush ability to be a swing 4-3 end – or maybe a 3-4 linebacker if he shows enough athleticism at the Combine – at the next level.

His career hit a bit of a bump off the bat, as he was injured against New Mexico State early on and was forced to take a medical redshirt. Meredith played all 14 games the next year, however, as a top reserve (21 tackles, five for loss, 1.5 sacks) before earning the starting job as a sophomore, garnering second-team All-Big 12 honors that season (64 stops, eight for loss, and 1.5 sacks). He again started every game in the Huskers’ first year against Big Ten competition, was league coaches gave him honorable mention for his play (58 tackles, six for loss, five sacks).

Analysis

Strengths

Possesses NFL size and length to play the run on the edge. Flashes a powerful punch into his man’s chest off the snap to get backward movement. When in pass rush mode, will punch multiple times and keep his feet moving to go outside or spin back inside to the quarterback if the ball stays in the pocket. Knows his containment responsibilities, works hard to prevent cutbacks while still making plays from the back side if ballcarriers hesitate. Good hustle-and-chase player willing to work down the line, to the sideline, and downfield to help teammates. Moves inside at times, stuffs linemen and ballcarriers coming through the hole, could move to five-technique with some additional weight.

Weaknesses

Often late off the snap, does not have the initial quickness and agility to be a great pass rusher at the next level. Only average closing speed and change direction ability on the outside, plays stiff and can be out-quicked by runners one-on-one. Lacks explosion attacking the quarterback on twists. Has trouble disengaging from the blocks of better linemen, comes up short grasping for tackles on ballcarriers coming into his area.

NFL Comparison

Jason Hunter

Bottom Line

The three-year starter has been a solid contributor for the Huskers from the weak side end position. He is not a dominant edge rusher, but expect him to at least grade out as the mid-round reserve swing DE every 4-3 team needs in their rotation – or even a starting five-technique after adding weight in an NFL strength-and-conditioning program.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.